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Mag in the Box--Follow up

I posted a question about mounting a magnetic pickup inside the cigar box without cutting a hole through the lid. As I saw it, this setup offered a number of advantages, one being the box top didn't get chopped up.

Well, I couldn't let it go so where is my update.

I made mounts for both a single wound and mini humbucker. This set the pickups on springs so it could slide up and down.

The pickup mount is then attached to the neck assembly with a single screw.

Since there is no hole in the box lid, the single screw allows the pickup to be easily moved up and down the neck or angled to enhance certain strings.

With the cigar box lid installed the pickup presses directly against the box top under spring pressure.

So, how does it work? While the guitar is not completed, I couldn't resist stringing it up with a couple of strings and attaching it to my amp via some jumpers. I fired up the amp and turned the volume to the same position I always use. Then the moment of truth.

I picked a few notes and was rewarded with a familiar tone from my amp. I haven't recorded any tracks on Audacity to compare, but just listening, I think the volume is every bit as strong as my regular player. I guess a magnetic field just isn't impressed by a little cigar box top.

This is really encouraging. I can have the warm sound of a magnetic pickup without having to cut up the box top. I can also drive my self crazy trying different locations and angles of the pickup. Should keep me busy and confused for months. I'll pass along any interesting findings as I get her finished and playing.

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Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on April 25, 2015 at 12:49am

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on April 25, 2015 at 1:03am

Yes you did. And yes, you are right (God, sounds like I'm talking to my wife)

You original comments

You even noted that magnetic lines of flux have no respect for thin plywood.....

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on April 25, 2015 at 1:21am

lol .. wify . flashback .. ( sorry) ;-)

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Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on April 25, 2015 at 1:33am

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Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on April 25, 2015 at 1:39am

but you referred my answer as ways answer .. so we are even . .. .

well .. maybe not quite . ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on April 25, 2015 at 2:10am

I can never get replies to line up correctly..........my affliction......

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Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on April 25, 2015 at 2:19am

;-)

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on April 25, 2015 at 2:09am

LOL......

In the end, you are correct. Simple is better.

But...........in this case I was trying to get every possible advantage built into the design. Thus the movable/twistable mount system. Once I get her all together, I doubt that I'll move things more than once or twice, but the building was fun.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on April 25, 2015 at 2:55am

If that cord sticking out of the side doesn't give it away, the sound sure will.......

No mistaking a mag pickup sound.

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Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on April 25, 2015 at 2:57am

you build a fake one on the other side like i said when tom first mentioned it. Pretty sure if you look in my old pics you'll see a bunch of em

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Permalink Reply by SlowHound on April 25, 2015 at 2:35pm

I like the idea a lot and also like the bit of possible deception of not having the mag showing.

Let um think it's a novelty then blast them. Not necessarily with volume either but with a great tone.

A screw it, turn it way up too!

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Permalink Reply by Gary Ross on April 25, 2015 at 2:04am

Great idea and implementation! Now all you need is a slot in the neck and box bottom to let you move it ,angle it and lock it without opening the box.